Rubi, an American company focused on sustainable manufacturing, has received a $969,961 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant will support the further development and scaling of Rubi’s carbon-to-cellulose platform.
The grant recognizes Rubi’s innovative work in CO2-to-materials technology and its commitment to developing sustainable solutions. With less than 5% of SBIR applicants receiving this prestigious grant in the past decade, Rubi’s accomplishment highlights the company’s significant contributions to the field.
Rubi has introduced a cell-free biocatalysis technology that leverages CO2 to produce materials and chemicals, with a primary focus on CO2-derived cellulose as an alternative to wood pulp. By targeting the textile industry, Rubi aims to address deforestation concerns and decrease the carbon footprint associated with traditional manufacturing processes. The NSF grant will play a pivotal role in advancing Rubi’s mission to meet the global demand for low-carbon materials.
Rubi’s technology has received recognition from various industry accolades and has secured partnerships with prominent fashion brands. The company’s proprietary enzymatic platform offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods.
Neeka Mashouf, Co-Founder and CEO of Rubi, expressed enthusiasm about the grant’s potential to advance the company’s efforts in scaling CO2-derived cellulose production.
Erwin Gianchandani, NSF Assistant Director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to supporting innovative startups like Rubi that drive advancements in science and engineering.
Rubi’s technology represents a breakthrough in sustainable manufacturing by harnessing the power of enzymes to convert carbon inputs into valuable products. The company’s cell-free biocatalysis process offers a more efficient approach to producing materials.
